Celebrating literature, history

April 8, 2016··

In a world of electronic books, movies, DVDs, and video games, a thriving small town library is a rare thing to behold.

A girl gets her face painted at the carnival poriton at the 103rd anniversary party for the Mott Public Library. The carnival event was held at Mott Assembly of God Church.(Photo by Jon Skjoldal/For The Herald)

By JON SKJOLDAL / For The Herald
Saturday, April 2, 2016 marked the 103rd year of celebratory bliss as the accumulation of literature into one central location for the citizens of Mott was realized as the Mott Library opened its doors for the first time in 1913.
In attendance for the event were Eliza Blue, an accomplished folk singer from Bison, S.D. Kevin Carvell along with Rick Watson, both of which are locally recognized comedic entertainers. And finally, yet certainly not least, Larry Waiwode, who is recognized as the state poet laureate of North Dakota.
The Carnival took place in the fellowship hall of the former Congregational church that now is the home of the Assembly of God church in Mott. Taco in a bag, along with several variations of delicacies of the cupcake variety were served.
Kids eagerly ran from station to station playing various games that included, cup stacking, ring toss, dice horse racing, and face painting.
Prizes were given, food was eaten, and laughter was shared. A great idea for fundraising opportunities.
Enjoyment for the adults was not forgotten as the entertainment shifted from the church to the Pheasant Café, where the entertainers took to the stage, all bringing different elements to the table with music, historical facts about authors both past and present from the region.
The efforts to keep the “lights on” in the ever advancing technological world is in great part due to the Librarian, Carol Kunnerup.
This is evident in the way one of the library’s patrons, Betsy Weigen, speaks of her. “She is the best librarian we have ever had,” Weigen said.
As an author myself, I admire her tenacity in trying to stress the importance of reading and the lengths she is willing to go to work toward placing passion into the hearts of generations for the written word.